Question 1

Do you design only the plantings or paving as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we design both paving and plantings. We try and incorporate as many existing plants and trees that are doing well, into the new design. If we are helping a client who is starting from scratch and needs an entirely new plan for their property - front, back, and side yards we break it up into two appointments and design the paving first, which may include a new driveway, front walkway and backyard patio. Then we return for a second visit and we choose the new plants to complement the style of your house.
On the other hand sometimes we are asked to look at just one planting bed in the yard and that is fine too. No job is too small.

Question 2

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

We have found it takes 3 to 5 hours to design a new front yard or back yard. We charge $240 per hour and provide you with a design right on the spot. If you are interested in more information please send an email with a description of your project to info@livinglandscapedesign.com.(mailto:info@livinglandscapedesign.com)

Question 3

Do you design sprinklers or lighting for the garden?

Accepted Answer

We rely on the contractor to design the watering system. We can talk in general terms about which areas are best suited for drip and which would work best with spray and what your preferences are. As far as lighting we are happy to do a overlay with low-voltage light locations toward the end of the consultation once we have settled on the design of the yard.

Question 4

Do you have a landscape contractor to recommend?

Accepted Answer

We have two landscape contractors to recommend and have worked with both of them for over 15 years. We can give you their contact information when we meet and tell you more about their services.

Question 5

Can you give me an estimate for installing your design?

Accepted Answer

We rely on the landscape contractor to give you an estimate for installing the overall design.  We know average prices for plants and can help you prepare a ball park estimate for the plant material based on the final plant list. For an accurate cost estimate for the plants and bagged goods like fertilizers and mulch; Almaden Valley Nursery (http://almadenvalleynursery.com/)can prepare a cost estimate for you.  Just take your plant list into the nursery and ask one of the staff to help you.

Question 6

What can I do to prepare for the consultation?

Accepted Answer

You can  share photos with us from Houzz (http://www.houzz.com)or Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com)of garden ideas that you like. Also you can spend some time thinking about how you would like to use the space . Ideas might include entertaining, recreation, relaxation, edible gardening etc. If you have interest in low water use, pollinator friendly plants or plantings that qualify for lawn rebate programs, that is useful information for us to be aware of.  The more prepared you are for us, the more efficiently we can use our time together.

Question 7

Where can I see some of your work?

Accepted Answer

We will be happy to refer you to some front yards you can drive by to see what our designs look like. Just email us at info@livinglandscapedesign.com(mailto:info@livinglandscapedesign.com)

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Proudly serving Santa Clara County since 1995

California Landscape Architect License # 5784